Letter of appointment, senior third grade military official, Royal Guards

The message dated August 1863 (14th year in the reign of King Cheoljong) reads that Yang Heon-su has been appointed a senior third grade military officer and a commander of the Royal Guards. The appointment made Yang Heon-su a cheonchong (divisional or regiment commander) and a dangsanggwan (palace-ascendable official), authorized to ascend to the royal hall to partake in discussions of state affairs with the king.

General Yang Heon-su repelled the French fleet which invaded Ganghwado Island in 1866. He was named the patriotic figure of October 2008 by the War Memorial of Korea. Articles left behind by General Yang Heon-su were donated by his descendants and exhibited during the month. The general’s descendants later donated the articles which had been kept in the family for about 150 years to the War Memorial of Korea, so that more people may view them.